Skokie Youth Sports: About Skokie Youth
| Skokie Youth was formed in 1977 when three Skokie baseball leagues decided to combine their organizations to strengthen the quality of the baseball and softball programs available to area children. Because we believe that children have more fun--and learn more--when they are participating, we are proud of--and adhere to--our motto and philosophy: Everyone Plays. Today, about 550 boys and girls participate in Skokie Youth's baseball and softball programs. The league has also developed a strong basketball program, which attracts nearly 700 boys and girls each winter. In our baseball, softball, and basketball programs, every player has a chance to play in the game. In baseball and softball, no player can sit out two innings until every one has sat out one inning. In basketball, our games are divided into 8 four-minute segments. No one sits out two segments until every player has sat out one. Skokie Youth is an independent, volunteer organization. We receive no funds, equipment, uniforms, or assistance from any national organization--unlike AYSO or Little League of America. Skokie Youth's existence is due entirely to its generous sponsors and adult volunteers. Our volunteers contribute countless hours and immeasurable energy as managers, coaches, divisional vice-presidents, and board members. Many Skokie Youth players, who have grown up in our program, continue to contribute (and even earn a little money) by serving as umpires, referees, and travel team coaches. In fact, our President, Mark Sproat, is a Skokie Youth alumnus. In addition to intraleague play, Skokie Youth baseball and softball teams also participate in interleague play with Lincolnwood, Evanston, and Morton Grove teams. This not only offers a chance to play on different fields but to meet other people in our local communities. As players get older, they have a chance to play on the travel teams that Skokie Youth sponsors to the North Shore Baseball League (NSBL). This is a wonderful opportunity for players with more developed baseball skills in their respective age groups to take their games to a higher level by playing the best that other communities have to offer. |
